Do you need to adjust your child support payments, or are you facing a request for a support modification in Virginia? In these situations, to protect your financial future, you need to hire a Loudoun County child support modifications lawyer from our team at Melone Hatley, P.C.
Rely on one of our Loudoun County child support lawyers to review your situation and provide personalized advice about your next legal steps. Our team has decades of experience and believes in protecting your family, your finances, and your future.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
When Should You Hire a Child Support Modifications Lawyer?
A Loudoun County child support modifications lawyer will help you if you need to modify your child support order or if the other parent has requested a child support modification to your payments.
Our team has experience handling child support modification requests in Virginia. We work with you to ensure that all issues surrounding the request are handled according to what your goals are and ensure that you understand all of your options.
Receive a free consultation with one of our client services coordinators to determine what services a Loudoun County family lawyer can offer you.
Can You Modify Your Child Support Order in Loudoun County?
Virginia allows either parent to request a child support order modification according to Virginia Code 20-108. To file a petition, the requesting parent will have to show that since the entry of the last order, there has been a material change in circumstances.
Typically, Loudoun County judges will only modify child support orders if:
- The income of the parent paying child support decreases by a minimum of 25%.
- The parent paying child support lost their job.
- One parent inherited substantial funds.
- A parent’s childcare costs increase by a minimum of 25%.
- The old order lacks provisions for health and dental insurance.
Additionally, the court system may change the child support order due to changes with a child. For example, judges will modify your order if:
- Your child develops a medical condition or disability.
- Your child’s insurance premiums increase by a minimum of 25%.
- Your child reached 18, graduated high school, or became emancipated.
Any of the above situations will allow the court to make child support modifications. Remember that the court system won’t change orders if the decision adversely impacts your child’s care.
To begin modifying child support, you must file a request for child support review and adjustment.
Will Child Support Payments Change Based on Custody Changes?
The short answer is generally yes. However, this is not always true in cases where one spouse earns significantly more than the other. Regardless, your attorney will help you request child support modifications due to changes in your custody schedule. For example, let’s say you shared joint custody with your child’s other parent after a divorce.
Further, it is not uncommon for parents who start out having joint custody for one parent to have substantially more time with the child due to the other parent moving away.
How Many Times Can You Modify Child Support Agreements?
Virginia’s court system doesn’t limit how many times you can modify your child support agreement. However, you can only change the arrangement if you meet the statutory requirements found in Virginia Code 20-108.
Loudoun County Child Support Modifications
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Will the Court Accept Verbal Modifications in Loudoun County?
No.
It is not uncommon for parents to make verbal agreements about child support adjustments. While it’s beneficial to have open communication with your child’s other parent, the court does not consider verbal modifications legally binding.
Therefore, you must go through the court system to make any adjustments to your child support order. And the court can only adjust your support back to the date of your filing. Your attorney can help you file your petitions for modification necessary for the court to make any changes.
How Will a Child Support Modifications Lawyer Help?
In any modification case, the statute requires a very specific showing of evidence regarding a substantial and material change before the court will even consider the numbers for the modification. As such, your attorney will help ensure that the statutory requirements are met before starting the modification process.
From there, we will work with you to ensure that your and the other parent’s income is accurately reflected so that the court can determine the appropriate amount of child support.
Your lawyer will meet with you to discuss your case and go over your options to handle modifications. Our team will:
- Collect documentation to show changes to your financial situation if necessary.
- File all required legal paperwork to begin the modification process.
- Represent you in court when you request modifications.
- Assess modification requests made by the other parent.
- Support you against unfair modification requests.
You don’t have to go through the modification process alone. Our team is ready to provide compassionate assistance designed to meet your unique needs.
Why Hire Us for Modifications to Your Child Support Agreement?
Our top-rated, award-winning law firm has a reputation for putting clients first and solving your problems. We believe in protecting your family, your finances, and your future as we help you handle complicated family law-related matters.
We have decades of experience that we apply to handling each and every child support modification case. We’ll treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve throughout the legal process, taking the time to understand your current situation and all proposed changes.
Review our Guide: Child Support in Virginia to learn more about the system and how we will help.
How Long does It Take to Modify Child Support?
The timeline for modifying your child support agreement varies widely, often stretching over several months before a court in Virginia schedules your modification hearing. While the hearings are typically brief, the wait time leading up to them is often lengthy.
Throughout this waiting period, our team remains proactive, keeping you updated on the status of your hearing. We diligently gather and prepare evidence to support your case, ensuring we’re ready to present a strong argument on your behalf once the hearing date arrives.
It is important to remember that the court can only award the modification back to the date of the original filing, so the sooner you file for your modification, the better.
Work With a Child Support Modification Lawyer in Loudoun County
If you are going through a modification case or feel that it is time to modify the current support order, our team at Melone Hatley, P.C., will ensure that you get the help you need from our Loudoun County child support modifications lawyers.
Our dedicated team is prepared to provide you with the legal support you need during this process, ensuring your child support order reflects your current circumstances and the best interests of your children.
We understand the importance of a fair and accurate child support order for you and your children. Our attorneys are committed to navigating the legal system on your behalf, advocating for a resolution that supports your child’s well-being while considering your financial stability.
Learn more about how we will assist you by calling us or filling out our online contact form.
